AU2016100708A4

AU2016100708A4 - Buoyancy suit

Info

Publication number: AU2016100708A4
Application number: AU2016100708A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Meiying Zhang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-22
Publication date: 2016-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-22

Abstract

A buoyancy suit (2) comprises a body suit (4) and a float (6), wherein the body suit (2) is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit (2) is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float (6) above the wearer's centre of gravity. The buoyancy suit comprises an attachment portion (14), shoulder (12), front and side floats and flotation collar. A closing means extends from the upper to the lower torso and includes a cover. Figure 1

Description

BUOYANCY SUIT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to buoyancy suits.

[0002] Buoyancy suits are typically worn by people increasing their buoyancy in water. A typical buoyancy suit comprises low-density floats attached to the suit that serve to reduce the overall density of the suit and wearer, to thereby reduce the likelihood of the wearer sinking. Wearing a buoyancy suit enables a user to carry out exercises in water such as rehabilitation exercises.

[0003] Bibs do not prevent liquids from seeping down the neck, however, and soiling the garments underneath. Bibs are also difficult to fix at the back of the neck if the wearer is in a high backed chair, as the head has to be moved forward. If the wearer does not have short hair, the hair can be caught in the ties, hooked tape, buttons or press studs, causing discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is provided with a buoyancy suit.

[0005] A buoyancy suit comprising a body suit and a float, wherein the body suit is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float above the wearer ‘s centre of gravity.

[0006] In another preferred embodiment, the buoyancy suit further comprises an attachment point and the attachment point is configured such that a tether can be secured to the body suit.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the attachment point comprises a closed loop and/or the attachment point is located in a region at or above of the centre of gravity of the wearer.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the buoyancy suit comprises floatation shoulder pads, the floatation shoulder pads extend from a neck region to upper arm regions at either side of the neck region and/or the flotation shoulder pads are configured such that their length along the contour of the shoulder region is greater than their width.

[0009] The present invention can be more fully understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of a buoyancy suit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0011] Fig.2 is a front view of a buoyancy suit having a closing means cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0012] Fig.3 is a front view of a buoyancy suit having flotation shoulder pads according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0013] Fig.4 is a side view of a buoyancy suit having an attachment point according to an embodiment of the present invention; and.

[0014] Fig.5 is a rear view of a buoyancy suit having a flotation collar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In a first embodiment, Figure 1 shows a buoyancy suit 2 comprising a body suit 4, floats 6 and a closing means 8. The floats 6 comprise a foam material with a density less than that of water. The closing means 8 comprises a zipper extending from an upper torso region to a lower torso region along a central region of the body suit 4. The body suit 4 is arranged to be worn over the torso, shoulders, pelvis and upper legs and next to the skin. Floats 6 are integrated into the body suit 4 in regions at both sides of the closing means 8 in the torso region.

[0016] In use, the buoyancy suit 2 is worn by a wearer while the wearer is floating in a body of water. The buoyancy suit 2 acts to lower the overall density of the wearer, improving the wearer's ability to float. The floats 6, are located on the torso region of the body suit 4 provide a lower density in the wearer's upper body region. The floats thereby act to stabilize and urge a wearer into an upright position in the water, with the lower effective density upper body section floating better than the higher effective density lower body section.

[0017] This has the advantage that a wearer is urged into an upright position and a wearers floating ability is enhanced, enabling a wearer to conduct activities in the water such as rehabilitation exercises and exercises using water as a resistance to movement. Also, the wearer s limbs are not hindered by the floats, allowing the wearer a good degree of movement.

[0018] In a second embodiment, Figure 2 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the first embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the first embodiment and additionally comprises a closing means cover 10. The closing means cover 10 comprises a flap that is attached to the body suit 4 at a first side of the closing means 8 and covers the closing means 8.

[0019] In use, the buoyancy suit is put on by the wearer and the closing means 8 is closed by the wearer. The closing means cover 10 is moved over the closing means 8 so as to cover the closing means 8. Covering the closing means 8 decreases the chance of a part of the body suit 4 being court on or interfering with the closing means 8 and provides a more aesthetically pleasing look to the buoyancy suit.

[0020] In a third embodiment, Figure 3 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the second embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the second embodiment and additionally comprises flotation should pads 12. The flotation shoulder pads 12 are integrated into the body suit 4 in the shoulder regions of the body suit 4 and extend along the shoulder regions from a neck region towards an upper arm region. The shoulder pads 12 are flexible such that they curve around the contours of the shoulders when the body suit 4 is worn by a wearer.

[0021] In use, the body suit 4 is worn in a manner described above. The flotation shoulder pads 12 provide enhanced flotation in the upper region of the body, further urging the wearer towards an upright position.

[0022] In a fourth embodiment, Figure 4 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the third embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the third embodiment and additionally comprises an attachment point 14. The attachment point 14 is a closed loop of material and is located at the back of the body suit 4 in a region at the centre of wearer's back torso, at or above the user's centre of gravity.

[0023] In use, a releasable tether is secured at one end and clipped on to the attachment point 14. The wearer then acts to move in the water against the tether and is prevented from advancing once the tether becomes taut. The attachment point 14 is sufficiently strong to hold the wearer in position in the water without tearing the body suit 4 or breaking the attachment point 14.

[0024] In a fifth embodiment, Figure 5 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the fourth embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the fourth embodiment and additionally comprises a flotation collar 16. The flotation collar 16 is an integral part of the body suit 4 and is located in the region around the neck of the body suit 16.

[0025] In use, the body suit 4 is worn in a manner described above. The flotation collar 16 provides enhanced flotation in the upper region of the body, further urging the wearer towards an upright position.

Claims

1. A buoyancy suit comprising a body suit and a float, wherein the body suit is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float above the wearer’s centre of gravity.

2. A buoyancy suit according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy suit further comprises an attachment point and the attachment point is configured such that a tether can be secured to the body suit.

3. A buoyancy suit according to claim 2, wherein the attachment point comprises a closed loop and/or the attachment point is located in a region at or above of the centre of gravity of the wearer.

4. A buoyancy suit according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy suit comprises floatation shoulder pads, the floatation shoulder pads extend from a neck region to upper arm regions at either side of the neck region and/or the flotation shoulder pads are configured such that their length along the contour of the shoulder region is greater than their width.